How to Choose the Best Electric Fireplace for Your Home Project? [GUIDE]
If you are in the market to buy a new electric fireplace and trying to understand how much heat they create this is the guide for you! Our goal is to help you understand the pros and cons of buying a new electric fireplace installation so you are happy with the decision for years into the future. Keep reading to choose the best electric fireplace for your project.
Do Electric Fireplaces Actually Provide Heat?
How much heat does an electric fireplace create? Space heaters and electric fireplaces both create the same amount of heat 5,000 btu. With a dedicated line, an electric fireplace can output 10,000 btu. A modern, high quality gas fireplace averages 30,000 btu and wood can get up to 40,000 btu and beyond. (Pro Tip: 1 BTU = 1 lit match worth of heat)
Is an electric fireplace right for my home project? Electric fireplaces are a great option for adding ambiance to your home. Whether they’re right for you depends on your specific needs and expectations. In this post, we will explore if an electric fireplace is a good fit for you. Electric fireplaces produce, at most, 25% of the heat provided by a gas fireplace. Wood and pellet offer even more heat than gas.
Electric fireplace inserts offer a beautiful look and seal your fireplace. Sealing a cold drafty fireplace with a well-insulated electric insert can drastically increase your home’s overall heating efficiency. Electric fireplace inserts make up for their lack of heat output by being a low cost, easy-to-install option for homeowners with restrictive HOAs or landlords.
Who should consider an electric fireplace installation?
Electric fireplaces are worth it for:
- Apartment Dwellers or Condo Owners: Perfect for spaces without the option for gas or wood-burning fireplaces.
- Supplemental Heating: Great for adding warmth to a single room without adjusting the whole house’s heating system.
- Decorative Appeal: Provides ambiance with customizable flame effects, even if heating isn’t the primary goal.
Do you want heat, ambiance, or both?
An electric fireplace provides as much heat as an electric space heater that you plug into the wall. 5,000 BTUs covers about 400 square feet of indoor space. If you need more warmth, an electric fireplace with a dedicated line can produce up to 10,000 BTUs of warmth, covering about 800 square feet of indoor space. In contrast, gas fireplaces and gas fireplace inserts produce upwards of 35,000 BTUs of heat and are highly adjustable.
Do you have ventilation restrictions?
Once you know what kind of heat you need, it is time to determine the type of installation that fits your expectations. Electric fireplaces do not require ventilation, unlike most gas products. No vent sticking out of the home is a requirement for some renters and homeowners.
For example, venting is oftentimes a sticking point for folks in retirement communities or HOAs. You also might not need the impactful heat provided by a gas, wood or pellet fireplace insert. Many of our customers want the ambiance of fire with minimal warmth.
Next, think about yourself two years from now. What will you wish you had known now?
In our experience, buying a fireplace is a lot like buying a wedding dress. Customers buy one in a lifetime (maybe two). Point is, you don’t buy a new fireplace very often. Two years from today, think about if you will want direct warmth and not just ambiance. For instance, if you have access to natural gas with a line running to your masonry fireplace, it might be worth exploring a gas fireplace insert.
There are a number of scenarios where an upgrade to your existing gas fireplace is a better investment in your home’s long-term value. Electric fireplaces are great, but their heating value is minimal. If you plan to sell your home in the near future, consider investing in a gas fireplace.
What are your fireplace installation requirements?
Okay, so now that we know what kind of heat will meet your expectations, it is time to determine your installation restrictions and requirements. Most commonly, folks either have a blank wall or an existing fireplace that needs upgrading when installing an electric fireplace.
Specific installation requirements determine what style of fireplace is available for your project. For example, you can’t install a linear electric fireplace in an existing masonry fireplace. A linear electric fireplace can only be installed in a blank wall with enough space to contain the horizontal length.
Electric Fireplace and Electric Fireplace Insert Install Examples:
Electric fireplaces are installed into an existing blank wall.
Electric fireplace inserts are installed into an existing masonry fireplace.
If you have a blank wall, but do not want to install the electric fireplace in the wall, there are also wall-mounted options. Learn more below.
Choose a Wall-Mounted Electric Fireplace if:
- You want flexibility in placement or live in a rental.
- You’re looking for a quick and easy installation.
- You like the idea of being able to move or upgrade your unit later.
Choose a Built-In Electric Fireplace if:
- You want a permanent, high-end feature in your home.
- You’re renovating or designing a custom space.
- You prefer a seamless, integrated look.
Quick question. Are you bothered by blower fan noise?
Electric fireplaces use a heating element with a blower to move the warm air into your home. The heat from an electric fireplace is not produced by the simulated fire. The warm air comes from a heating element and is moved by a fan. If you do not like listening to a fan blowing all of the time, make sure to listen to the blower fan on an electric fireplace to hear if it is too loud. Many people want to sit quietly in front of a fireplace. Fans frequently disrupt that peaceful fireplace vision.
Confirm the installation type fits your needs, then choose your electric fireplace’s style.
Some popular electric fireplace styles to consider:
Wall-mounted linear electric fireplace
Built-in linear electric fireplace
Wall mounted linear with mantel
Wall mounted traditional with mantel
Built-in traditional electric fireplace
Built into a masonry fireplace
What are the best brands of electric fireplaces?
In our view, SimpliFire makes the best electric fireplaces in the hearth industry. We admire SimpliFire’s reliability, variety and design in the hearth industry. When purchasing an electric fireplace price will be a consideration in your project. Your budget for an electric fireplace will determine the overall quality of your experience. Spending the money on a high quality electric fireplace insures your family will get to enjoy your new electric fireplaces for many years to come.
Shop for Electric Fireplaces
Are electric fireplaces worth it?
Electric fireplaces are worth it if you’re looking for a convenient and stylish way to add to your home’s heating. Electric fireplaces give just enough warmth to make a difference, with their major appeal being visual ambiance. While they’re not as powerful as wood or gas fireplaces for larger spaces, they excel at providing a little warmth and lots of ambiance.
If you need an easy-to-install, low-maintenance solution, an electric fireplace is a fantastic option for your project.
Check out some of our other fireplace blog posts that might help your fireplace research process:
Looking for a professional fireplace installation company in your area? Fireplace Directory can help! Find a qualified fireplace specialist today.
At The Stove Shop Fireplace Experts, our mission is to help our customers stay warm and save money. Since 1977, we have provided high quality fireplace and stove installations and service to our local community in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. Check out our virtual fireplace showroom to see electric fireplaces and many others in operation.
